Halfords appoints new boss

Car parts and bicycle retailer Halfords today named former Tesco director David Wild as chief executive after a four-month search to fill the top job.

Manchester-born Mr Wild, who previously worked at supermarket giant Tesco for 18 years, will start at Halfords on August 4.

He replaces the group’s highly-rated boss of three years Ian McLeod, who disappointed the City in February with news he was quitting to run supermarket chain Coles in Australia.

Mr Wild, who is 53, joins from Asda parent Wal-Mart, where he most recently acted as senior vice-president for new business development.

The retail veteran previously worked at Tesco in a raft of roles, including head of its Central European operation and latterly group supply chain director.